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Advocacy and Government Relations Officer

Cats Protection has built up a significant level of engagement with Ministers and Members of the Westminster and devolved Governments, locally elected politicians, professional organisations, stakeholder groups and other charities “Speaking up for cats” on a range of issues affecting cat welfare. We are seeking an innovative and highly motivated Advocacy and Government Relations Officer to join the charity’s team to deliver advocacy and campaigns across the UK. This is an opportunity to fulfil a highly visible role externally and within the charity.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity. We help nearly 190,000 cats and kittens through our network of over 250 volunteer-run branches and 34 adoption centres and homing centres. This role is based in our National Cat Centre in the Ashdown Forest, which has a Visitor Centre, Shop, Café, Nature Walks, and our fantastic National Cat Adoption Centre. We have onsite parking and are located about a twenty minute drive from both Haywards Heath and East Grinstead.

Our Advocacy and Government Relations Officer will help develop, support and implement an effective programme of reactive and proactive advocacy work across the UK to influence Central and Local Government and key stakeholders whose policies and practices impact on cat welfare. You will work with the charity’s Head of Advocacy and Government Relations, Executive Management Team, Trustees, volunteers and supporters to achieve realistic but challenging advocacy targets.

Main responsibilities will include:

Daily parliamentary monitoring;

Responding to external public policy developments;

Government announcements, debates and issues reported in the press/social media that affect cat welfare;

Assisting with the charity’s responses to planned legislation or policy change affecting cats;

Developing public facing charity campaigns;

Engaging volunteer and public support to advocacy activities locally and/or nationally.

This role would suit someone who has a degree, or relevant experience, in political and/or public affairs, experience of influencing, organising campaigns and negotiating and who has a comprehensive understanding of government politics and the structure and processes of external agencies.

You will be a people person, able to work independently and collaboratively and with an ability to influence and inspire people from all levels e.g. industry, government agencies, politicians, other NGOs and volunteers. You will need to have attention to detail; fantastic organisational and analytical skills and the ability to prioritise work, set and meet deadlines to achieve agreed performance targets.

Access to a car and a full UK driving licence is essential as this role will include occasional UK travel and some overnight stays.

Closing date

Applications for this post closed 11:59pm on Tuesday 6th November 2018